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Useful organisations
HOLISTIC AND COMPLEMENTARY SUPPORT Many of the national charities and companies have information about complementary therapies; and most of the local and regional cancer support groups have lots more useful advice and contacts - many offer some form of holistic therapy themselves. Here we’ve also listed organisations that specialise particularly in these areas, from national coordinating bodies to smaller centres.
“I found counselling useful. Really, you want the person to say ‘you’re going to be fine’ and that’s not what they are there for, but it’s a useful way to deal with that terrible anxiety that cancer inflicts. Most hospitals offer it don’t go off on your own, because you might find someone who isn’t properly trained; do find someone who is trained in working with people with cancer.” Mary Ann ALISON LOCK - HOLISTIC THERAPY web: holistictherapyoxfordshire.co.uk email: ajlock@hotmail.co.uk tel: 01491 839 229 An independent holistic therapy centre in south Oxfordshire with a special interest in cancer and palliative care patients. Alison has 20 years of experience in holistic therapies and counselling and continually adapts and updates the treatments she offers to suit her clients. Among the therapies on offer are: reflexology, counselling, thought field therapy (a form of psychotherapy approved by NICE and accepted onto the NHS Directory), hopi, reiki and aqua detox.
Holistic beauty, naturally. The core of the Weleda Body Care concept is strengthening the skin‘s own defences. Weleda natural and organic cosmetic products target the skin‘s self-regulation processes and harmonises its functions. This way, we promote the skin‘s vitality instead of just replacing what was missing. From body and facial care for baby and adult, to dental care, we offer the right natural care product for every need. To find out more go to www.weleda.co.uk In harmony with nature and the human being.
m 78 Brookmead Drive, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 9BJ BREAST CANCER HAVENS web: thehaven.org.uk The Haven’s mission is to help people through the physical and emotional experience of breast cancer by offering a free, in-depth and personalised programme of psychological support and complementary therapies. The charity has specialist nurses and therapists at its three centres, or ‘havens’ in London, Hereford and Leeds. They will craft a care package to suit your needs and you can meet others going through similar experiences. Breast Cancer Havens offer support during any part of the cancer ‘journey’ - before, during or after medical treatment. If you don’t live near any of the centres, you can request the holistic DVD and audio CD
to play at home, utilise support by telephone or through outreach in some locations in the West Country and West Midlands. m HEREFORD 37 St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2JB tel: 01432 361 061 m LEEDS 4-5 The Gateway West, East Street, Leeds LS9 8DA tel: 0113 284 7829 m LONDON Effie Road, London SW6 1TB tel: 020 7384 0099 BRITISH ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL (BAC)
web: acupuncture.org.uk tel: 020 8735 0400 A wonderful source of general information on acupuncture, what to expect from it and how to find a qualified practitioner near you. The BAC has 3,000 professionally qualified acupuncturists, is the main regulatory body for acupuncture in the UK and its easy to navigate website includes research documents and a register of therapists (although not cancer-specific). m 63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9H